The hot springs are those underground waters that spring from a spring, whose mineral components and temperatures above the environmental average are said to have therapeutic properties.
They are found in areas near volcanoes or tectonic faults. They descend to the interior of the earth, where they heat up and then rise to the surface, either as steam (which can generate a geyser), or as hot water. When they surface, the hot springs are usually at least 5 ° C or more above the average ambient temperature.
Due to their therapeutic, healing and rejuvenating properties, they are used for baths, inhalations, irrigations or heating in the treatment of various ailments.
There are hot springs in Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Panama, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Venezuela, Argentina, Spain, Peru, etc.
Types of hot springs
By geological origin
Magmatic: are those that come from metallic or eruptive reefs. They have temperatures higher than 50 ° C. The most common mineral elements in them are arsenic, boron, bromine, copper, phosphorus and nitrogen. Compared to telluric ones, they have more minerals.
Telluric: are those that are filtered by the earth’s faults. They can be found anywhere. Its temperatures are less elevated than magmatics, as well as its mineralization. In it we find bicarbonates, chlorides, lime salts, etc. They are loaded with negative ions, beneficial for the human body and for relaxation.
By temperatures
- Cold waters: less than 20 ° C.
- Hypothermal waters: between 20 and 35 ° C.
- Mesothermal or hot waters: between 35 and 45 ° C.
- Hyperthermal waters: between 45 and 100 ° C.
- Super thermal waters: between 100 and 150 ° C.
By mineral composition
- Ferruginous waters: predominantly have iron in their composition.
- Chlorinated waters: they have significant amounts of chlorine.
- Sulfurized or sulphurous waters: they have an important concentration of sulfur.
- Sulfated waters: contain sodium, calcium, magnesium or chlorine, apart from sulfur.
- Carbonated waters: they have a high content of sodium bicarbonate, calcium or chlorine.
Benefits of hot springs
- Stimulates the oxygenation of the organism
- Improves blood circulation.
- It helps eliminate toxins from the body.
- Stimulates the digestive system.
- Stimulates and improves metabolism.
- It helps eliminate germs, bacteria, toxins.
- Improves and stimulates the immune system.
- It helps mental relaxation.
- Stimulates the production of endorphins.
- Regulates glandular functions.
- It is beneficial for the treatment of skin diseases, wounds and injuries.
